Toru Shirota

Toru Shirota is Mahiru's uncle who took him in after his mother died.

History
After Mahirus mother died, Toru decided to take care for Mahiru since no one else volunteered. Though he's often not at home due to his job; he's always there for his nephew.

When Mahiru came home from school on his first day (after his mother's death), deeply depressed, Toru tells him, that the reason for not wanting to do anything is that he is running away from his feelings. First step would be, to give a name to his emotion, because, if he doesn't, no one else will be able to.

Story
After coming back home from a businesses trip, he finds Kuro in front of the TV - he takes a broom and goes after him. Mahiru stops him and introduces Kuro to him as his new cat.

Toru is okay with it and suggested to go having Sushi. In the restaurant, the two meet Tsubaki, (Toru doesn't know him), and when Toru tells one of his (bad) Jokes Tsubaki bursts out laughing. Due to that, Toru is convinced, that his joke was pretty good and starts to like Tsubaki.

Quotes

 * "I'll take care of Mahiru. I'm his Uncle, after all. We'll keep things simple...it's gotta be me." (Chapter 1)
 * "Right now...you're just too sad. But feel those sad feelings. Give them a name...if you want to. And someday soon...life will seem brighter. You'll feel better. But only if you...feel the sadness now." (Chapter 3)
 * "Come out, crook! Come out and...cry Uncle!! Ha ha! That was cool..." (Chapter 8)
 * "Kuro the cat...nice and simple!!" (Chapter 8)
 * "Mahiru...I understand. Some things are better left unsaid." (Chapter 8)
 * "Have a sushi row...with salmon roe!" (Chapter 9)
 * "I don't know your situation...but friendship is simple. Just tell him you'll always...be there. No matter what happens..." (Chapter 9, to Mahiru)
 * "Mistakes are okay. I've made tons of 'em! Regrets? Not so much. Everybody's different, Mahiru...including your friend. But he shares your world...so try to connect again. Just wait a week or two..." (Chapter 9)

Trivia

 * When Toru meets Kuro first time, he reacts the same as Mahiru did.
 * He always makes bad jokes, thinking they're brilliant even if no one laughs.
 * Toru is the younger brother to Mahiru's mother.

Onkel Toru